Public education and outreach activities that reduce air pollution to protect and promote a healthy environment.

Awards are presented every two years on Clean Air Day, with the next ceremony being held on June 6, 2018. Nomination deadline is April 20, 2018.

Eligibility

Individuals, businesses, educational institutions, local government agencies and not-for-profit organizations whose exemplary actions take place in the PAMZ region are eligible, and may be nominated by themselves or others.

Nomination process

Nominations must be submitted to [email protected] pamz.org by midnight on Friday, April 20, 2018.

Please describe:

What the nominee initiated, developed, implemented or managed that made a positive environmental contribution (one page maximum);

2018 winners

NOVA Chemicals – As part of NOVA Chemicals’ commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement in their operations, in 2014 they initiated a Furnace Refurbishment Project related to the Ethylene 2 manufacturing facility at the NOVA Chemicals Joffre Site. The goal for this project is to achieve a 30%-40% reduction in nitrogen oxides emissions. 5 of 11 furnaces have now been refurbished with 4 of the remaining 6 scheduled for completion by 2021.

Developments 2 Inc. Timberlands Market Project–This retail mall development is an industry leader in environmental practices, including several that support clean air within the PAMZ region. Through an investment in solar energy using solar panels, a focus on encouraging pedestrian traffic and green operating guidelines for tenants, the project has created a visible leading example of sustainable development with a focus on reducing environmental impact.

Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Program– The Counties of Mountain View, Red Deer and Lacombe operate ALUS programs in partnership with ALUS Canada. The ALUS program supports farmers and ranchers who adopt beneficial land stewardship practices on marginal agricultural lands, which enhances natural ecosystems. The program helps farmers and ranchers to produce cleaner air in concert with a range of ecosystem services, including cleaner water, more biodiversity, and flood and drought mitigation.

2016 winners

Terry Krause was recognized as an outstanding role model with a 2016 Blue Skies Award. Terry has embarked on a personal journey to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle on a 2.5-acre lot just outside of Red Deer. He has broken with convention to create a home and garden that minimize his environmental footprint. By incorporating things like high efficiency hydronic heating, insulated external roll shutters over large windows, and a 4 kWh grid-tied solar system which provides 130% of his annual electricity needs, Terry has shown how the commitment of one individual can reduce emissions into the environment.

Red Deer Public and Catholic School Divisions were recognized with a 2016 Blue Skies award for promoting the Idle Free Program in their respective schools. By February 2016, all 38 Red Deer schools sites throughout both Divisions were established as Idle Free. All schools have established themselves as idle free zones, and continue to promote the importance of being idle free to drivers in their school communities.

Border Paving received a 2016 Blue Skies Award for its 74.88 kW solar installation, which generated 82 MWh of electricity and reduced GHG emissions by 51 tonnes in 2015. Border Paving recognized that their business is carbon and emissions intense, and wanted to demonstrate leadership by generating clean solar power from their rooftop. This is the largest private solar installation in Red Deer, spearheaded by the company and developed without grants or incentives from government.

Ferus Inc. received a 2016 Blue Skies Award for increasing transportation options by investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure throughout Alberta to help industry transition away from diesel. By reducing diesel fuel use in heavy duty applications, Ferus helps prevent many forms of pollution including ozone. Reducing diesel pollution, especially fine particulate matter and its precursors, will positively affect human health. Ferus is also walking the talk by converting their own fleet to operate with natural gas.

The City of Red Deer’s Collicutt Centre was recognized for installing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) in 2014, in partnership with ATCO Gas. Using CHP, the Collicutt Centre generates its own power and heat for a lower cost than if The City would have to pay for both heat and power from a utility company. ATCO estimates that the CHP unit, combined with its waste-heat recovery technology will save the facility nearly $35,000 per year in energy costs over the life of the project. In 2015 conventional electricity use at this facility was reduced by more than 30% and GHG emissions by 760 tonnes, akin to taking 160 cars off the road.

Alberta Government Air Quality Data

Are you interested in Air Quality Data from areas other than Central Alberta?
You can access the Government Of Alberta Air Quality Health Index